WINGS FOR LIFE WORLDRUN

WINGS FOR LIFE WORLDRUN

A unique experience on global scale – 35,397 participants run for those who can’t do so themselves. From Mexico to New Zealand, from South Africa to Sweden – 34 countries on 6 continents. It is a very special occasion and the largest running event in the world: 34 routes worldwide launch thousands of runners at the same time and run for a common goal: to make spinal cord injury curable. 100 % of the event’s revenue benefits the “wings for life” foundation, which financially supports research in the field of treating spinal cord injury. This running event unites athletes from all over the world – running for those who can’t! “When the request came, we knew we wanted to be at this charity,” announcer Flo Rudig remembers, “and honestly: it was a collection of uplifting moments.” Just the start already – Australia at night, Austria at noon, 3 a.m. in L.A. – the first goosebumps alarm. Also because DJ Tobi underlines the images from around the world that flicker across the TV screens and large event screens with soulful music. The course of the race – co-designed by many celebrity athletes worldwide, such as surfing icon Robby Naish, ex-Formula 1 driver David Coulthard, racing legend Eddie Jordan, ex-ski pro Luc Alphand, and many others – is a run of emotions. Even those who drop out because they are overtaken by the catcher car have a smile on their faces. “Because they know they have done something good,” said the visibly moved Heinz Kinigardner, co-founder of wings for life next to Dietrich Mateschitz. The final highlight is that the global winner of Word run 2014 was on the road in Austria (79 km run!) and announced in the arena in St. Pölten. Flo Rudig: “To commentate live how Austria competes against Italy, England, and even Peru, is unique.”